21% of motorists thought checking social media while driving was OK — the UK rule is now even clearer

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Published: 24 Mar 2026 | Last reviewed: 24 Mar 2026 | Reviewed by: VanCompare Editorial Team

A lot of older advice about phones at the wheel was written when the law focused mainly on calls and texts. In 2014, RAC research suggested many motorists misunderstood the rules — including 21% who didn’t realise it was illegal to check social media while driving, and 61% who didn’t realise texting while stationary in traffic (engine running) was illegal.

Since then, the law has become stricter and simpler: in Great Britain it’s now essentially “nil by hand”.

Why phone use while driving is targeted by law

Using a mobile phone while driving significantly increases the risk of collisions. Even short distractions can reduce reaction times and awareness. UK road safety guidance increasingly focuses on eliminating avoidable distractions altogether, particularly for professional drivers who spend long hours on the road.

The current UK law: “hold and use” is the issue

Current GOV.UK guidance states you can receive 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you hold and use a phone (or any device that can send or receive data) while driving.

From 25 March 2022, the law in Great Britain was strengthened so that using a hand-held phone for virtually any purpose while driving is illegal — not just calling or texting.

Importantly for van and delivery drivers, the rules still apply even if you are stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

Common misunderstandings to be aware of

“I was stationary so it’s fine”

Not necessarily. If you are stopped in traffic or at lights and not safely parked, using a hand-held phone can still be an offence.

“Hands-free is totally safe”

Hands-free setups may be legal in some cases, but they are not risk-free. Safety guidance highlights that even hands-free phone use can increase the likelihood of a collision.

“I’ll only check maps quickly”

Holding a phone to check navigation or messages still counts as “hold and use”. If you need navigation, set it up before starting your journey and avoid interacting with it while driving.

Practical rules for van drivers and fleets

No single rule eliminates risk entirely, but clear habits and policies can significantly reduce it.

1) No phone in hand while driving

• Never hold or use a phone while driving — including when stopped at lights or in traffic.

2) Plan communication ahead

• Update customers between stops rather than during journeys.
• Avoid situations where you feel pressured to respond while driving.

3) Pull over safely if needed

• If you need to take a call or check information, stop somewhere legal and safe.
• Switch off the engine before using your phone.

4) Set clear policies for fleets

• Employers should create a simple, clear phone-use policy.
• Route planning and scheduling should reduce the need for drivers to multitask.
• Safety guidance recommends reinforcing these policies consistently.

If you’re caught: what happens next

• You may receive 6 penalty points on your licence.
• A fixed fine of £200 can be issued.
• More serious cases may lead to higher penalties or court action.
• For professional drivers, offences can also affect employment and insurance.

How insurance may be affected

Driving offences — including mobile phone use — can affect insurance premiums and policy terms. Insurers may consider penalty points and driving history when calculating risk, which could lead to higher costs or stricter conditions.

If you’re reviewing your cover, comparing policies can help you understand how different insurers treat driving offences and risk factors.

Sources

1. RAC Media release (7 July 2014) — Motorists’ understanding of mobile phone laws.
2. GOV.UK — Using a phone while driving: law, penalties, and scope.
3. UK Parliament (House of Commons Library) — Legal changes from 25 March 2022.
4. THINK! — Mobile phone law and guidance.
5. HSE — Driving for work: mobile phone risks and employer policies.
6. RAC — Careless driving context and related guidance.

VanCompare Editorial Team

The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.

• Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
• This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
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